In shocking news out of the United Kingdom, Lostprophets lead singer Ian Watkins has been charged with six child sex offenses, including conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13, along with the possession and distribution of "indecent images of children."

This story comes as a major shock to fans of the longtime singer of the Lostprophets, who have sold 3.5 million albums worldwide throughout the band's 15-year history. The Welsh group had a No. 1 alternative rock hit in the United States with 'Last Train Home' in 2004.

According to The Guardian and other reputable sources like BBC News, two women, ages 20 and 24, have been charged alongside Watkins with similar offenses. The three are currently being held in police custody, having already appeared before Cardiff Magistrates' Court today (Dec. 19). Bail applications from all three parties have been denied. Watkins will remain in police custody until his next scheduled court appearance on Dec. 31.

A statement from a police spokesperson reads as follows:

A Pontypridd man has been charged with sexual offences against children and is due to appear at Cardiff magistrates court today. The 35-year-old has been charged with conspiracy to engage in sexual activity with a female under 13 and possession/distribution of indecent images of children. In order to assist their investigation, South Wales police has named the man as Ian Watkins, a member of the rock group Lostprophets."

South Wales police are encouraging those who may have information about the charges to come forth. "Specially-trained staff are available to speak to anyone with concerns or information regarding this investigation and a dedicated telephone number has been set up," says Senior Investigating Officer Peter Doyle. "I want to encourage anyone who has any concerns or information which they think may be relevant to contact us … Safeguarding children involved in such cases is always a high priority and as such measures have already been taken."

Update: The UK newspaper The Independent is reporting that Watkins is being accused of conspiring with one of the arrested women to sexually abuse a 1-year-old girl. In addition, the publication also reports that the singer is accused of two incidents of "sexual touching" involving young children. Moreover, Watkins is alleged to have possessed "extreme" animal pornography.